Beach bites at Shimmers

For fresh Mediterranean flavours and gorgeous views of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, book a table at Shimmers. What makes the perfect al fresco meal? It’s an important question when you’re in the UAE. Blessed with year-round sunshine and idyllic weather (most of the time), dining outdoors is all part of the experience of being here, for residents and visitors alike. The best al fresco dining spots are the ones that provide beautiful views, great service and tasty dishes. we’re pleased to say, Shimmers delivers on all counts.

From the Chef

“Imagine a stretch of Greek paradise along the pristine Jumeirah coast; a place where you can enjoy some of the freshest dishes while watching the light shimmering off the gentle waves. It all comes together at Shimmers, whether you’re dining or lounging; whether you’re there before, during or after the sun dips behind the sea. We aim for the warmth of a traditional Greek family meal, with a casual, toes-in-the-sand ambience by day and a chic, relaxed place to dine at night. We welcome diners to share wonderful experiences, that’s what food is about.”

Head chef, Yiannis Katsikas

Located at Jumeirah Mina A’ Salam, the chic yet relaxed eatery has a distinctive Mediterranean vibe. It sits right on the beach, overlooking the ocean, with tables on its deck and comfortable chairs and sofas on the sand itself. The promenade of beachgoers wandering back and forth through the surf in front of you adds to the feel of being on a summer holiday in a sun-kissed coastal town, as do the white-washed wooden pillars, rustic furniture and the blue-green mosaic dishes that decorate the walls.

But in truth, you might not even pay that much attention to the décor, because the views in front of you are mesmerising, to say the least. If you have visitors in town (or are one yourself), the sight of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah from Shimmers is spectacular, with the distinctive sail-like shape towering above the sand and surf, completely unobstructed.

Despite iconic landmark ubiquitous presence on so many holiday postcards and Instagram posts, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is still quite breathtaking, and makes the perfect backdrop to your meal.

Fortunately, the food at Shimmers lives up to its stunningsetting. During our visit we notice the menu has a distinctively Mediterranean vibe, and a focus on fresh produce and simple recipes. For a leisurely lunch, we would definitely recommend working your way through The Greek starters. Meat lovers will enjoy the soutzoukakia – juicy, tender patties served in a delicious cumin-scented tomato sauce, complemented by a creamy yoghurt topping. For a meat-free option, the tyrokafteri is a must-try: a traditional Greek spicy spread made with feta cheese, capsicum and dill, served with olive bread. Keep in mind that in the evening, there are a lot more traditional Greek dishes to sample.

When it comes to main dishes, the chefs at Shimmers favour unpretentious lunchtime recipes – think fresh salads, classic sandwiches and grilled meats and fish. There’s definitely a strong focus on seafood, from the catch of the day to the ‘Sta Karvouna’ or ‘from the coals’ menu. A highlight is the garides sharas, grilled prawns with roasted vegetables, simply dressed in a mix of fresh herbs, lemon and olive oil. The mosharisia brizola is another excellent choice – grilled rib-eye steak served in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, plus chips seasoned with garlic, rosemary and salt.

Dessert is also a refershingly uncomplicated affair – you could have a couple ice cream scoops, a dollop of sorbet or a simple serving of creamy greek yoghurt with a swirl of honey and crushed walnuts. Though in our opinion, the best dessert by far, however, is the bougatsa from Thessaloniki, a crispy, slightly burnished pastry filled with a sweet, creamy semolina custard and dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon. Order it with a strong espresso and watch the world go by.